Description

Childbirth and pregnancy are among the most significant moments in a woman's life. The method of delivery is currently a highly debated topic with potential impacts on a woman's future physical and mental health. For elite female athletes, this issue is amplified, as pregnancy and childbirth significantly affect their performance and careers, and it is often necessary to plan pregnancies in consideration of current sporting events and ongoing physical training.

Labor itself can occur spontaneously vaginally, with the help of extraction methods, or via cesarean section. It can also be planned or awaited for the spontaneous onset of uterine contractions. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages regarding potential damage to the pelvic floor and its stability in vaginal delivery or extraction methods, or concerning the stability of the abdominal wall with subsequent wound healing after a cesarean section.

The aim of the study is to retrospectively and prospectively determine the impact of the method of delivery on the performance of female athletes through a questionnaire study. The investigators would like to answer the question of whether cesarean delivery means a later return to training for athletes, whether pregnancy is problematic for female athletes in relation to their BMI, and whether pregnancy often signifies the end of a sports career for female athletes. The questionnaire also includes questions regarding overall women's health-menstrual cycle, incontinence, and mental health of female athletes. Prospectively, the questionnaire will be sent to all female athletes who meet representation limits once a year and for two years after retiring from the national team.